ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – The City of Altamonte Springs may once again consider closing its library, two years after residents saw a property tax increase to keep it open.
City Manager Frank Martz has recommended closing the library in its current form and location as part of the upcoming proposed budget. Martz said the cost to operate the 66-year-old library on Maitland Avenue is no longer sustainable — and he has an alternative in mind.
“I will propose that some library services continue in a different format, and that some library services would transition from the standalone physical City library facility to a digital-first service model,” Martz said in a letter to News 6.
The proposal includes expanding access to e-books, audiobooks, research databases and online programming. Martz said the plan would also preserve in-person, community-facing elements.
“We propose to introduce some of these programs at Westmonte Park tailored to key user groups, including toddler storytime and early-literacy activities as well as technology-based, senior-focused programs,” Martz said.
In 2024, the city planned to close the Altamonte Springs library, but after an outcry from the community, the commission voted to increase the property tax millage rate, allowing the library to remain funded.
“I informed the Commission that it would fund law enforcement, officer retention, and keep the library open, but that it would not solve the problem for very long, and that we will be back here doing this again. And we are,” Martz said.
Sarah Kress, a parent who lives near the library, said she would be disappointed to see the building close.
“We love this small little family feel library,” Kress said. “We live around the corner and it would really be sad to see it close.”
The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the overall proposed budget — which includes recommendations for the library — Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.